Clark Fork River Fishing Forecast
Large river fishery with excellent dry fly and streamer opportunities
Opens 3rd Sat in May
Western District. Some sections have special regs due to mine remediation
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 11:48 PM
43°F
1740 CFS
3 AM - 5 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early dry fly action. Pre-runoff window.
BWO
Mayfly
Overcast conditions prime. Extended season.
Midge
Midge
Winter fishing. Tailouts and slow pools.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Westslope Cutthroat
Spawn months: June, July
Native to northern Rocky Mountain streams. Spawn later than other cutthroat due to high-elevation habitat and colder water. Particularly sensitive to hybridization with rainbow trout.
Access Points & Parking for Clark Fork River
Deer Lodge
Upper river access.
Missoula
Urban fishing through the city.
Alberton Gorge
Canyon section with whitewater.
Superior
Lower river access.
How to Fish Clark Fork River: Tips & Tactics
The Clark Fork River is Montana's largest river by volume, recovering from historic mining impacts. Good populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout now thrive.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing with diverse hatches. The river fishes well throughout the day. Fall brings larger fish on the move.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing covers the big water. Match the hatches when active. Streamers are effective for larger fish. Wade fishing at access points.
Water Conditions
The Clark Fork has recovered significantly from Superfund cleanup. The Missoula section is easily accessible. The Alberton Gorge offers adventure.
Fly Selection
Caddis patterns are essential. Stoneflies in spring and summer. Streamers for brown trout. BWOs and PMDs for mayflies.
Local Knowledge
The Clark Fork is improving every year. Missoula provides excellent access. The Alberton Gorge combines fishing and whitewater.
Local Tips
Missoula is a vibrant college town. The Clark Fork is recovering nicely. Combine with nearby Blackfoot and Bitterroot fishing.
When is the Best Time to Fish Clark Fork River?
Spring
Stoneflies begin emerging. Watch for runoff.
Summer
Prime season with diverse hatches.
Fall
Brown trout become more active. Good streamer fishing.
Winter
Challenging but fishable near Missoula.
Recommended Equipment for Clark Fork River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight for most fishing.
Line
Floating line for dries. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wade carefully in bigger water.
Essential Flies
Clark Fork River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check Montana FWP for current regulations.
Special Regulations
Regulations vary by section.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only in some sections.
Notes
The Clark Fork continues to recover and improve.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Clark Fork River
Local Fly Shops
- Grizzly Hackle - Missoula
- Missoulian Angler - Missoula
- Clark Fork River Guide Service
Guide Services
- Grizzly Hackle Guides
- Clark Fork Guide Service
- Missoula Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
3000 - 8000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Madison
Missouri (below Holter)
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